Neil J. RubenkingPC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus 9.0If you need antivirus protection for three computers, Spyware Doctor is a bargain. Its three-pack price would get you just one copy of Norton or Webroot. However, its protection doesn't quite come up to those top-of-the-line antivirus tools.

Difficult to install on malware-infested systems. Left some rootkits running after supposed removal. Poor scores in independent lab tests.

Bottom Line

If you need antivirus protection for three computers, Spyware Doctor is a bargain. Its three-pack price would get you just one copy of Norton or Webroot. However, its protection doesn't quite come up to those top-of-the-line antivirus tools.

Neil Rubenking served as vice president and president of the San Francisco PC User Group for three years when the IBM PC was brand new. He was present at the formation of the Association of Shareware Professionals, and served on its board of directors. In 1986, PC Magazine brought Neil on board to handle the torrent of Turbo Pascal tips submitted by readers. By 1990, he had become PC Magazine's technical editor, and a coast-to-coast telecommuter. His "User to User" column supplied readers with tips...
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